A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Beaver Creek for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a laid back, idyllic, and relaxing island. Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. And you can't forget about the skiing, food, and hiking. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, Isla Mujeres has more sights and attractions for tourists. Isla Mujeres is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Beaver Creek attracts visitors for its skiing, theatre productions, and hiking. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Isla Mujeres and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere Isla Mujeres is famous for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also well known for the Underwater Museum of Art.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaver Creek and Isla Mujeres. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for snow skiing. However, Isla Mujeres is not a skiing destination.

Beaver Creek is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Isla Mujeres is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Isla Mujeres is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not a good place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Isla Mujeres is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Isla Mujeres is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Dining out at restaurants in both Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Beaver Creek has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.


Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Isla Mujeres is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Isla Mujeres has a few options to choose from. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Isla Mujeres offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Isla Mujeres specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Isla Mujeres are among the best in the world. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Both Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek are nice shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Beaver Creek has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.


Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Isla Mujeres is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous place to visit. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Both Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek are world-class family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is very family-friendly. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is a very family-friendly destination. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Isla Mujeres has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Beaver Creek is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.


Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Isla Mujeres is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

Isla Mujeres is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Both Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek offer nice public transit options.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Beaver Creek has some public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Is Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Beaver Creek on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable destination. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.


For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek?

Both Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Beaver Creek. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Isla Mujeres, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Beaver Creek. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Beaver Creek if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Isla Mujeres.


  • How many days in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Isla Mujeres 1-2 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek?

In Isla Mujeres, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxing island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this adventurous town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Beaver Creek is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the idyllic destination of Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this charming destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the skiing. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A week in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaver Creek is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Isla Mujeres?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Isla Mujeres Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Beaver Creek Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Isla Mujeres $164
    Beaver Creek $378

The average daily cost (per person) in Isla Mujeres is $164, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $378. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isla Mujeres $71
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isla Mujeres $142
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Isla Mujeres


Hotels in Beaver Creek


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Isla Mujeres Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isla Mujeres $32
    Beaver Creek $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isla Mujeres

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Isla Mujeres:

  • Private Transfer: Playa Mujeres to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $135
  • Cancun–Ferry Round-Trip + Hotel Transfer: $75
  • Punta Sam / Isla Blanca to Cancún Airport (CUN)- Departure Private Transfer: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Isla Mujeres or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Isla Mujeres change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Isla Mujeres $72
    Beaver Creek $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isla Mujeres $19
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in Isla Mujeres

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Isla Mujeres are as follows:

  • Scuba Diving Adventure WITHOUT CERTIFICATION! Try it today!: $160
  • 3 Hours VIP Semiprivate Tour Isla Mujeres Full Snorkeling Experience : $84
  • ATV Mangrove Adventure: $65
  • Adventure and Snorkel with the Whale Shark From Playa del Carmen: $230
  • Adventure and Snorkel with the Whale Shark departing from Cancun: $200
  • Airboat Adventure: $80
  • Chill at -18°C Isla Mujeres Ice Bar (tickets): $25
  • Contoy Island Tour from Cancun and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling: $145
  • Crystal Boat Tour to Isla Mujeres and Reefs: $39
  • Isla Contoy Snorkeling Experience with Buffet: $166
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Adventure at the Underwater Museum: $52
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isla Mujeres $23
    Beaver Creek $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla Mujeres and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek is more expensive. And not only is Isla Mujeres much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Isla Mujeres would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isla Mujeres and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek than you might in Isla Mujeres.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Isla Mujeres Expensive? and Is Beaver Creek Expensive?.